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Altorki TA, Abdulal RH, Suliman BA, Aljeraisi TM, Alsharef A, Abdulaal WH, Alfaleh MA, Algaissi AA, Alhabbab RY, Ozbak H, Eid HM, Almutawif YA, Li X, Al-Rabia MW, Zhang Q, Mahmoud AB, Mahallawi WH, Hashem AM. Robust memory humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in the tonsils of adults and children. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291534. [PMID: 38149243 PMCID: PMC10750384 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adaptive humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 has mainly been evaluated in peripheral blood. Human secondary lymphoid tissues (such as tonsils) contain large numbers of plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulins at mucosal sites. Yet, the role of mucosal memory immunity induced by vaccines or natural infection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants is not fully understood. Methods Tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMNCs) from adults (n=10) and children (n=11) were isolated and stimulated using positive SARS-CoV-2 nasal swabs. We used endpoint enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the measurement of anti-S1, -RBD, and -N IgG antibody levels and a pseudovirus microneutralization assay to assess neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in paired serum and supernatants from stimulated TMNCs. Results Strong systemic humoral response in previously SARS-CoV-2 infected and vaccinated adults and children was observed in accordance with the reported history of the participants. Interestingly, we found a significant increase in anti-RBD IgG (305 and 834 folds) and anti-S1 IgG (475 and 443 folds) in the stimulated TMNCs from adults and children, respectively, compared to unstimulated cells. Consistently, the stimulated TMNCs secreted higher levels of nAbs against the ancestral Wuhan strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant compared to unstimulated cells by several folds. This increase was seen in all participants including children with no known history of infection, suggesting that these participants might have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and that not all asymptomatic cases necessarily could be detected by serum antibodies. Furthermore, nAb levels against both strains were significantly correlated in adults (r=0.8788; p = 0.0008) and children (r = 0.7521; p = 0.0076), and they strongly correlated with S1 and RBD-specific IgG antibodies. Conclusion Our results provide evidence for persistent mucosal humoral memory in tonsils from previously infected and/or vaccinated adults and children against recent and old variants upon re-exposure. They also highlight the importance of targeting mucosal sites with vaccines to help control infection at the primary sites and prevent potential breakthrough infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarfa A. Altorki
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rwaa H. Abdulal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar A. Suliman
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talal M. Aljeraisi
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asem Alsharef
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y. Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Ozbak
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamza Mohammed Eid
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Ahmad Almutawif
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xuguang Li
- Centre for Oncology and Regulatory Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed W. Al-Rabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qibo Zhang
- Academic and Research Departments, Section of Immunology, School of Biosciences and Medicine University of Surrey, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Bakur Mahmoud
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Health and Life Research Center, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed H. Mahallawi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Taher WT, Bawazir AA, Sallam TA, Alsurimi K. Seroprevalence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:761. [PMID: 37932664 PMCID: PMC10626741 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08760-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their close contact with infected patients. However, the true burden of COVID-19 among HCWs in Yemen is unknown due to the inadequate availability of healthcare and the subclinical nature of the disease. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs in two Yemeni governorates and identify associated factors using a cross-sectional design. METHOD A total of 404 HCWs were surveyed from June 2022 to September 2022 in Lahj and AL-Dhalea hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire collected demographic data, COVID-19 infection history, and vaccination status. A total of 404 human sera were tested using a specific electrochemiluminescence immunoassay assay. Association analysis was conducted to identify associations between antibody prevalence and demographic and vaccine-related variables. RESULT The median age of the HCWs was 31 (Range 20-64) years, with 65.0% being male and 35.0% female. Of all HCWs, 94% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive and 77.0% had no confirmed test of COVID-19-related symptoms. There was no significant association between seropositivity and demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, or COVID-19 vaccination (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was high among HCWs in Yemen, primarily due to natural infection rather than vaccination. Compliance with infection prevention and control measures did not significantly affect seropositivity. This study highlights the need for improved healthcare systems and resources to reduce the burden of COVID-19 and promote infection prevention and control (IPC) measures among HCWs in Yemen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watheq Thabet Taher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Aden, Aden, Republic of Yemen
| | - Amen A Bawazir
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Aden, Aden, Republic of Yemen.
- College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Talal A Sallam
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al Bahah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Mushcab H, Al-Tawfiq JA, Babgi A, Ghamdi M, Amir A, Sheikh SS, Darwisheh A, AlObaid A, Masuadi E, AlFattani A, Qahtani S, Al Sagheir A. Longevity of Immunoglobulin-G Antibody Response Against Nucleocapsid Protein Against SARS-CoV-2 Among Healthcare Workers. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3407-3416. [PMID: 37283943 PMCID: PMC10239621 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s400365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the latest pandemic and the most significant challenge in public health worldwide. Studying the longevity of naturally developed antibodies is highly important clinically and epidemiologically. This paper assesses the longevity of antibodies developed against nucleocapsid protein amongst our health-care workers. Methods This longitudinal cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, Saudi Arabia. Anti-SARSsCoV-2 antibodies were tested among health-care workers at three-point intervals (baseline, eight weeks, and 16 weeks). Results Of the 648 participants, 112 (17.2%) tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) by PCR before the study. Of all participants, 87 (13.4%) tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, including 17 (2.6%) participants who never tested positive for COVID-19 using rt-PCR. Out of the 87 positive IgG participants at baseline, only 12 (13.7%) had remained positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by the end of the study. The IgG titer showed a significant reduction in values over time, where the median time for the confirmed positive rt-PCR subgroup from infection to the last positive antibody test was 70 (95% CI: 33.4-106.5) days. Conclusion Health-care workers are at high risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and contracting an asymptomatic infection is not unlikely. Developing and sustaining natural immunity differs from one person to another, while the rate of positive IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 wanes over time. Clinicaltrialsgov Identifier NCT04469647, July 14, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Mushcab
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality and Patient Safety Departments, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, Indiana, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amani Babgi
- Nursing Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ghamdi
- Population Health Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrazack Amir
- Office of Academic Affairs, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa S Sheikh
- Pathology Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Darwisheh
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar AlObaid
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad Masuadi
- Medical Education Department, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej AlFattani
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Qahtani
- Wellness Institute, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Sagheir
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
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Adam DC, Martín-Sánchez M, Gu H, Yang B, Lin Y, Wu P, Lau EH, Leung GM, Poon LL, Cowling BJ. Risk of within-hotel transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during on-arrival quarantine in Hong Kong: an epidemiological and phylogenomic investigation. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 33:100678. [PMID: 36643735 PMCID: PMC9825110 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background On-arrival quarantine has been one of the primary measures to prevent the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into Hong Kong since the start of the pandemic. Most on-arrival quarantines have been done in hotels, with the duration of quarantine and testing frequency during quarantine modified over time along with other pandemic control measures. However, hotels are not designed with infection control in mind. We aimed to systematically study the potential risk of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals undergoing hotel quarantine. Methods We examined data on each laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case identified in on-arrival quarantine in a hotel in Hong Kong between 1 May 2020 and 31 January 2022. We sequenced the whole genomes of viruses from cases that overlapped with other confirmed cases in terms of the hotel of stay, date of arrival and date of testing positive. By combining multiple sources of evidence, we identify probable and plausible transmission events and calculate the overall risk of transmission. Findings Among 221 imported cases that overlapped with other cases detected during hotel quarantine with available sequence data, phylogenomic analyses identified five probable and two plausible clusters of within-hotel transmission. Only two of these clusters were recognised at the time. Including other clusters reported in Hong Kong, we estimate that 8-11 per 1000 cases identified in hotel quarantine may be infected by another unlinked case during quarantine, or 2-3 per 100,000 overseas arrivals. Interpretation We have identified additional undetected occurrences of COVID-19 transmission within hotel quarantine in Hong Kong. Although hotels provide suboptimal infection control as improvised quarantine facilities, the risk of contracting infection whilst in quarantine is low. However, these unlikely events could have high consequences by allowing the virus to spread into immunologically naïve communities. Additional vigilance should be taken in the absence of improved controls to identify such events. If on-arrival quarantine is expected to be used for a long time, quarantine facilities could be purpose-built to minimise the risk of transmission. Funding Health and Medical Research Fund, Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon C. Adam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mario Martín-Sánchez
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Haogao Gu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Bingyi Yang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yun Lin
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Peng Wu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Corresponding author
| | - Eric H.Y. Lau
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Gabriel M. Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Leo L.M. Poon
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Benjamin J. Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China,Corresponding author
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Alamri SS, Alsaieedi A, Khouqeer Y, Afeef M, Alharbi S, Algaissi A, Alghanmi M, Altorki T, Zawawi A, Alfaleh MA, Hashem AM, Alhabbab R. The importance of combining serological testing with RT-PCR assays for efficient detection of COVID-19 and higher diagnostic accuracy. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15024. [PMID: 37065688 PMCID: PMC10103696 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Misdiagnosing suspected COVID-19 individuals could largely contribute to the viruses transmission, therefore, making an accurate diagnosis of infected subjects vital in minimizing and containing the disease. Although RT-PCR is the standard method in detecting COVID-19, it is associated with some limitations, including possible false negative results. Therefore, serological testing has been suggested as a complement assay to RT-PCR to support the diagnosis of acute infections. In this study, 15 out of 639 unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) were tested negative for COVID-19 by RT-PCR and were found seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein-specific IgM and IgG antibodies. These participants underwent additional confirmatory RT-PCR and SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific ELISA tests. Of the 15 individuals, nine participants were found negative by second RT-PCR but seropositive for anti-spike IgM and IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies confirming their acute infection. At the time of collection, these nine individuals were in close contact with COVID-19-confirmed patients, with 77.7% reporting COVID-19-related symptoms. These results indicate that including serological tests in the current testing profile can provide better outcomes and help contain the spread of the virus by increasing diagnostic accuracy to prevent future outbreaks rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan S. Alamri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahdab Alsaieedi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Khouqeer
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwah Afeef
- Study & Research Department, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samiyah Alharbi
- Intensive Care Unit, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maimonah Alghanmi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarfa Altorki
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat Zawawi
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Alfaleh
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Dandachi I, Aljabr W. Prognosis of COVID-19 in the middle eastern population, knowns and unknowns. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:974205. [PMID: 36118201 PMCID: PMC9471247 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.974205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in China in 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has affected all countries worldwide. The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another via infected aerosols or contaminated surfaces. Unlike its counterparts, the prognosis of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic to critical disease or death. Several factors play a role in determining the severity of the disease in infected patients. Among others, is the pre-existence of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, and others. Furthermore, although children are less prone to the severe form of the COVID-19 disease, they require attention due to the report of many atypical presentations of the infection, post-asymptomatic exposure. In the Middle East, little is known about the prognosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-risk categories, notably patients with diabetes, cancer, and pregnant women. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about this group of population in the middle eastern region as well as to highlight the gap in the literature. We have found that the majority of the papers were from the Gulf countries. Although, few studies were conducted; high-risk patients appear to have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 compared to their counterparts. Higher levels of inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, and ferritin levels were also observed. Children are often asymptomatic or present with atypical presentations. More studies should be conducted to determine the clinical biomarkers of COVID-19 in high-risk categories to help in patient risk stratification and management in the middle eastern population.
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7
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Mushcab H, Al-Tawfiq JA, Ghamdi M, Babgi A, Amir A, Sheikh SS, Darwisheh A, Alobaid A, Jebakumar AZ, Qahtani S, Al Sagheir A. A Cohort Study of Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4393-4406. [PMID: 35974896 PMCID: PMC9375977 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s369755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nature of the healthcare workers’ jobs standing at the frontline against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) puts them at a higher risk of unknowingly contracting the disease and potentially contributing to the spread. This study aims to assess the overall positive seroconversion prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study of healthcare workers at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH). JHAH is a tertiary hospital located in Dhahran serving patients in several districts in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited between June and December 2020. Each participant had a serology blood test and completed the World Health Organization’s risk factor assessment questionnaire. Results This study included 682 participants working in JHAH, representing 15.7% of our population. Out of the 682 participants, 15.2% had a positive SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR before taking part in the study. However, only 87 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, a prevalence of 12.7% of all participants. Out of the 87 positives for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 17 participants never tested positive for COVID-19 rt-PCR, a prevalence of 2.9%. Moreover, not properly using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water after the risk of body fluid exposure and wearing personal protective equipment when indicated were found to be statistically significant to having a positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Conclusion Positive seroconversion rate was considerably low during the first wave of COVID-19 amongst JHAH’s healthcare workers and similar to other healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia. Seropositivity correlated significantly with following infection prevention and control recommendations. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT04469647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Mushcab
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit - Specialty Internal Medicine, and Quality and Patient Safety Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.,Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Infectious Disease Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammed Ghamdi
- Population Health Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Babgi
- Clinical Practice Education & Research, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrazack Amir
- Office of Academic Affairs, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa S Sheikh
- Pathology Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Darwisheh
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Alobaid
- Laboratory Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arulanantham Zechariah Jebakumar
- Vice Deanship of Postgraduate Studies Research, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Qahtani
- Wellness Institute, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Sagheir
- Research Office, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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8
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High Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and RNA among Asymptomatic Blood Donors in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081279. [PMID: 36016167 PMCID: PMC9414004 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gold-standard approach for diagnosing and confirming Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This method, however, is inefficient in detecting previous or dormant viral infections. The presence of antigen-specific antibodies is the fingerprint and cardinal sign for diagnosis and determination of exposure to infectious agents including Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) among asymptomatic blood donors in Makkah region. A total of 4368 asymptomatic blood donors were enrolled. They were screened for spike-specific IgG using ELISA and COVID-19 RNA by real-time PCR. COVID-19 IgG was detected among 2248 subjects (51.5%) while COVID-19-RNA was detected among 473 (10.8%) subjects. The IgG frequency was significantly higher among males and non-Saudi residents (p < 0.001 each) with no significant variation in IgG positivity among blood donors with different blood groups. In addition, COVID-19 RNA frequency was significantly higher among donors below 40-years old (p = 0.047, χ2 = 3.95), and non-Saudi residents (p = 0.001, χ2 = 304.5). The COVID-19 IgG levels were significantly higher among the RNA-positive donors (p = 001), and non-Saudi residents (p = 0.041), with no variations with age or blood group (p > 0.05). This study reveals a very high prevalence of COVID-19 IgG and RNA among asymptomatic blood donors in Makkah, Saudi Arabia indicating a high exposure rate of the general population to COVID-19; particularly foreign residents. It sheds light on the spread on COVID-19 among apparently healthy individuals at the beginning of the pandemic and could help in designing various control measures to minimize viral spread.
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Temsah MH. Perspective on the challenges of COVID-19 facing healthcare workers. Infection 2022; 51:541-544. [PMID: 35781868 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has caused a significant impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) across the globe. A few of these challenges include high workload, lack of coordination and direction, changing information, shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), managing isolation, fear, and increased anxiety, adapting to changes in healthcare practice and policy, coping strategies, and emotional and physical needs. Here, we shed light on some aspects of these challenges among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Research Chair, King Saud University, Prince Abdullah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Bahlawan O, Badra R, Semaan H, Fayad N, Kamel MN, El Taweel AN, Gomaa MR, Sirawan A, Berry A, Mokhbat J, Goldstein J, Abdallah J, Kayali G. Prevalence and determinants of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in Lebanon. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1509-1519. [PMID: 35597809 PMCID: PMC9123924 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 1,053,000 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been confirmed in Lebanon so far. The actual number of cases is likely to be higher. We conducted a serological study from October 2020 to April 2021 to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and identify associated factors. Serum samples as well as demographic, health, and behavioral data were collected from 2,783 subjects. Sera were tested by microneutralization assay. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 58.9% of the study population. The positivity rate increased over the study period. It was highest among the group who remained at work during the COVID-19 pandemic and in peri-urban areas with limited adherence to preventive measures. Sex and age were associated with positivity. Reported previous COVID-19, exposure to a COVID-19 patient in the family, and attending gatherings were associated with increased prevalence. Not taking any precautionary measures against COVID-19 was a risk factor, whereas precautionary measures such as working from home and washing hands were protective. The high neutralizing antibody seroprevalence rates detected in this study emphasize the high transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community. Adherence to preventive measures and non-pharmaceutical interventions imposed by the government is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanna Semaan
- Human Link, 0000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Nancy Fayad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mina Nabil Kamel
- Human Link, 0000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N. El Taweel
- Human Link, 0000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mokhtar R. Gomaa
- Human Link, 0000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Abeer Sirawan
- Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, Bir Hassan, Jnah, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Atika Berry
- Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jacques Mokhbat
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Jimi Goldstein
- Human Link, 0000 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB Hertfordshire UK
| | - Jad Abdallah
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
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11
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Immunogenicity of The BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccines in Patients with Hemoglobinopathies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020151. [PMID: 35214610 PMCID: PMC8877446 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Studies assessing immune responses following Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (Pfizer) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AZD1222 (AstraZeneca) vaccines in patients with hemoglobinopathy are non-existent in the literature despite being thought at high risk of infection. Methods: Prospectively, we collected serum from patients with hemoglobinopathies at least 14 days post vaccine and measured neutralizing antibodies (nAb) in addition to binding antibodies using in-house assays. Results: All 66 participants mounted a significant binding antibody response (100%), but nAbs were detected in (56/66) post-vaccine with a rate of 84.5%. Age, gender, vaccine type, spleen status, hydroxyurea use, and hyperferritinemia did not affect the rate significantly. While 23/32 (71.8%) patients receiving only one dose of the vaccine were able to mount a positive response, 33/34 (97.05%) of those who had two doses of any vaccine type had a significant nAbs response. Patients who had anti-nucleocapsid (N), signifying asymptomatic infection in the past, were able to produce nAbs (31/31). No nAbs were detected in 10/35 (28.5%) patients with no anti-N antibodies. Conclusion: Our results provide supportive data when advising patients with hemoglobinopathy to receive COVID-19 vaccines and ensure booster doses are available for better immunity. Whenever available, measurement of nAb is recommended.
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12
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Alandijany TA, Faizo AA. Development of Serological Assays and Seroprevalence Studies of the New Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): Reports from Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121730. [PMID: 34946456 PMCID: PMC8701666 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Serological assays are valuable tools for tracking COVID-19 spread, estimation of herd immunity, and evaluation of vaccine effectiveness. Several reports from Saudi Arabia describe optimized in-house protocols that enable detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and measurement of their neutralizing activity. Notably, there were variations in the approaches utilized to develop and validate these immunoassays in term of sample size, validation methodologies, and statistical analyses. The developed enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) were based on the viral full-length spike (S), S1 subunit, and nucleocapsid (NP), and enabled detection of IgM and/or IgG. ELISAs were evaluated and validated against a microneutralization assay utilizing a local SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolate, FDA-approved commercially available immunoassays, and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall, the performance of the described assays was high, reaching up to 100% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity with no cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses. In-house immunoassays, along with commercially available kits, were subsequently applied in a number of sero-epidemiological studies aiming to estimate sero-positivity status among local populations including healthcare workers, COVID-19 patients, non-COVID-19 patients, and healthy blood donors. The reported seroprevalence rates differed widely among these studies, ranging from 0.00% to 32.2%. These variations are probably due to study period, targeted population, sample size, and performance of the immunoassays utilized. Indeed, lack of sero-positive cases were reported among healthy blood donors during the lockdown, while the highest rates were reported when the number of COVID-19 cases peaked in the country, particularly among healthcare workers working in referral hospitals and quarantine sites. In this review, we aim to (1) provide a critical discussion about the developed in-house immunoassays, and (2) summarize key findings of the sero-epidemiological studies and highlight strengths and weaknesses of each study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamir A. Alandijany
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80324, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (T.A.A.); (A.A.F.)
| | - Arwa A. Faizo
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80324, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (T.A.A.); (A.A.F.)
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13
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Barefah AS, Radhwi OO, Alamri SS, Alahwal HM, Denetiu I, Almohammadi AT, Bahashwan SM, Qari MH, Algaissi A, Alamer E, Alhazmi A, Abuzenadah AM, Nasraldeen WH, Alzahrani SH, Hashem AM. Low clinical utility of testing for anti-platelet factor 4 in asymptomatic individuals after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 44:424-429. [PMID: 34850575 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies is linked to a rare thrombotic complication described now as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). This clinical syndrome with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia was reported after exposure to the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222), and Ad26.COV2.S vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson). In the absence of the clinical features, the incidence of positive anti-PF4 antibodies in asymptomatic individuals post-vaccination is unclear. METHODS The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of anti-PF4 antibodies in asymptomatic individuals 14-21 days after receiving the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) and BNT162b2 vaccine. Prospectively, we collected serum from individuals before and after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine and BNT162b2 vaccine and measured anti-PF4 antibodies using the Asserachrom HPIA IgG ELISA (Stago, Asnieres, France). RESULTS We detected positive anti-PF4 antibodies in 5 of 94 asymptomatic individuals post-vaccine with a rate of 5.3% with low titers (OD 0.3-0.7). Four of 5 individuals who tested positive after the vaccine had also positive anti-PF4 antibodies before the vaccine, which indicates that a majority of the positive results are due to preexisting anti-PF4 antibodies. We did not find a relation between the development of anti-PF4 antibodies and the immune response to the vaccine, status of prior COVID-19 infection, and baseline characteristics of participants. None of the participants developed thrombosis nor thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION Our results provide new evidence to guide the diagnostic algorithm of suspected cases of VITT. In the absence of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, there is a low utility of testing for anti-PF4 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Barefah
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osman O Radhwi
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sawsan S Alamri
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem M Alahwal
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iuliana Denetiu
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah T Almohammadi
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem M Bahashwan
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad H Qari
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Edrous Alamer
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alhazmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.,Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel M Abuzenadah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walleed H Nasraldeen
- King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami H Alzahrani
- Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Community-Based Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies following the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312451. [PMID: 34886175 PMCID: PMC8657111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread globally, causing unprecedented effects on global health and economies. Community-based serological data are essential for understanding the true prevalence of infections, specifically the subclinical infections, as COVID-19 asymptomatic infections are common. Such data would also be important for decision making around choosing appropriate epidemiological control measures, as well as for the true estimation of mortality rates in the population. Further, determining the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population would provide important information on herd immunity. In this study, we conducted a population-based age-stratified serological study to understand the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Out of 594 participants who were recruited from 29 August to 30 December 2020, just before the vaccination rollout program in Saudi Arabia, about 157 were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, indicating an estimated seropositivity rate of 26%. Although no significant difference in seropositivity was seen between male and female participants, we found that lower seroprevalence was associated with the younger (below 18 years old) and older populations (older than 56 years) compared with other age groups (19-55 years). These data indicate a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies following the peak of COVID-19 spread in Jazan province; however, most of the population (three-quarters) remains susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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